Different types of dental braces

Though many people still picture a “mouthful of metal” when they think of braces, there are now many more options available.

Dental braces work by applying pressure to the teeth so that they move gradually into a new position.

The pressure usually comes from a metal wire attached to tiny brackets placed on each tooth.

These brackets are what used to create the “metal mouth”.

However modern brackets are much smaller and are glued on the front of each tooth.

Added pressure is applied to the teeth using rubber bands called ligatures.

They can be made to look more attractive using different colors or gimmicks.

In addition to the much-improved traditional braces, there are now many more options:

• Mini Braces: Smaller than traditional braces
• Clear Braces: Porcelain braces with tooth-colored brackets
• Lingual Braces: Placed behind the teeth to be less noticeable
• Removable Braces: Similar to mouthguards and made of clear plastic

Whichever types of braces you choose, they all work in the same way and help you have straighter teeth which leads to better dental health and a great smile.

How braces look good

Braces are orthodontic appliances that can help straighten out crooked and crowded teeth.

As well as making you look better, they can help improve your dental health.

Many people have been put off wearing them because of how they look but modern braces can be very inconspicuous.

One way of making them inconspicuous is by having the brackets – the part that attaches to each tooth – fixed to the back of the tooth.

The brackets can be also be made in many different materials such as metal, ceramic or plastic so they can be more attractive or less visible.

They can also be designed to appear less noticeable – say be being clear or tooth-colored.

You can also choose to have them in virtually any color. You can even have them gold-plated or glowing in the dark.

Some people like to have their braces shaped in as something distinctive such as a heart or a football.

What an orthodontist can do for you

Orthodontic treatment is about straightening out crooked and crowded teeth and may use special appliances such as braces.

While most dentists can deal with minor orthodontic problems, they will often refer patients to an orthodontist for more specialist care.

Orthodontists are dentists with additional training and they specialize in the treatment of dental and facial irregularities.

One of the key aspects of orthodontics is straightening teeth and correcting jaw alignment.

This can be done through braces, corrective procedures and other ‘appliances’.

There are two types of braces:

• Removable: The patient can take these out of their mouth at any time
• Fixed Braces: These are worn all the time and have to be removed by a dentist

The length of time a person needs to wear braces varies depending on the condition but most people wear braces for between one and three years.

After the braces are no longer needed, the person usually need to wear a ‘retainer’ for some time that holds teeth in their new position.

Modern braces are much more comfortable than ever and usually require fewer adjustments than older apparatus.

Myths about orthodontists

Here is the truth on some common myths about orthodontists

Myth – Any dentist can straighten my teeth.
Truth – An orthodontist is a specialist at straightening teeth with two or three years of additional training after dental school.
They usually see hundreds of orthodontic patients a year where some family dentists may see only a handful.

Myth – Only children wear braces
Truth – Around 20% of orthodontic patients are adults

Myth – You only need to see an orthodontist for very complex cases.
Truth – Orthodontists have wide experience and deal with all types of orthodontic issue. However, their wide experience means they know exactly what to do in the most complex cases.

Myth – Seeing an orthodontist is more expensive than going to a general dentists for orthodontic treatment.
Truth – They are usually doing different work. An orthodontist offers value as an expert, highly experienced professional with specific training in this field.

Myth – Braces are painful and take years to work
Fact – Like a new pair of shoes, braces are perfectly comfortable after an initial ‘breaking in’ or adjustment period. Braces can get results after just a few months.

Myth – Braces are ugly and embarrassing in business settings.
Truth – Today braces can be made from clear plastic and can be nearly invisible. They can also be mounted on the back side of the teeth so that they are not visible.

Mothers Like Braces Better

The vast majority of modern mothers believe braces today are much cooler than when they were young.

In a study for the American Association of Orthodontists, 86 percent of mothers said braces are cooler today than when they were kids and 69% said wearing braces makes their children feel cool.

The vast majority – 81 percent – said their children’s experience with orthodontic treatment was either positive or extremely positive.

One of the factors making braces better today is the range of different color options available so that children can choose the look they want.

This makes the kids feel better about their orthodontic treatment.

Even though the mothers feel braces are cooler today, most – 78 percent – of those who had braces theselves as a child feel it was a great investment by their parents.

Most feel comfortable about visits to the orthodontist and 81 percent rated their child’s experience of visiting the orthodontist as positive or extremely positive.

Entertaining video games and music help children enjoy their visits to the orthodontist while computer software that predicts how they will look after treatment keeps them motivated.

Five ways an orthodontist could help you and your children

Orthodontists are specially-trained dentists who can give you a better smile.

They do this by bringing the teeth, jaw bones and facial profile into proper alignment.

Here are five ways they could help you or your family:

• Straightening your teeth to cut the risk of decay and gum disease
• Enhancing your appearance to boost your self-esteem
• Correcting protruding or misaligned teeth to get rid of speech problems
• Treating jaw joint difficulties known as TMJ
• Correcting jaw problems

An orthodontist will give you a full oral examination looking not just at the teeth but also at surrounding structures, jaw joints, facial aesthetics, muscular functions and speech patterns.

There are several options after this examination.

Sometimes – for example in younger children – it is too soon to do anything so they might advise coming back in a few months.

As the majority of a child’s facial growth happens before age 10, early treatment can deliver results without needing to have teeth extracted and may mean less time with braces.

When most of the adult teeth have erupted, it is possible to re-align the teeth into the desired position.

Although you get the best results by going to see an orthodontist as early as possible they can help people of any age.

Why Straighten Your Teeth?

If you don’t have straight teeth, you might wonder if you need to do anything about it.

Straight teeth have psychological and physiological benefits.

Straight teeth can help you bite, chew and speak better. They also contribute to healthy teeth and gums.

Properly aligned teeth and jaws may also alleviate or prevent physical health problems.

Having straight teeth enhances your smile and makes you look better.

An attractive smile enhances your self-esteem, self-confidence and self-image.

Orthodontic treatment can improve your appearance by bringing teeth, lips and face into proportion.

It can therefore be a step towards greater social and career success and can help you enjoy life more.

Straight teeth therefore work better and make you look better.

People with beautiful smiles therefore have a lot to be happy about.

How Dental Braces Work

Dental braces are orthodontic devices which help realign the position of your teeth.

They may be used if you have bite problems (also called malocclusions), crooked teeth, gaps or other problems with your teeth.

Although they are mainly used on children and teenagers – as treatment is easier when you are still growing – adults can also benefit from braces.

Braces are made up of three basic parts:

• Brackets
• Bonding (or band)
• Arch wire

The way braces work is that the teeth are moved through the use of force – the wires in the braces push the tooth in the desired direction.

When this happens, there is a biological response which leads to bone remodeling. Bone is created on one side and resorbed on the other side.

A tooth will usually move about a millimeter per month during orthodontic treatment but there are big variations depending on the individual and the exact treatment.

The Pros and Cons of Invisalign Braces

Invisalign braces have become popular as an alternative to traditional braces as they are cosmetically more appealing.

They are known as “invisible braces” but they actually work in a very different way to the traditional approach.

Rather than using brackets and wires, Invisalign uses aligners to move your teeth into new positions.

These aligners are clear and removable.

In order to use the Invisalign approach, you will have X-rays and molds taken which are then used to help an orthodontist plan your treatment.

The Invisalign aligners are built specifically for your mouth and each aligner is meant to be worn for two weeks. You then move on to the next aligner and the whole process can take about one year.

Pros
Virtually invisible so only you know you are wearing them

Easier to clean than traditional braces

More comfortable than traditional braces so less risk of irritation

Removable so can be taken out for eating or just for a break

Cons
Can be more expensive than traditional braces

Won’t work for everybody

Must follow instructions exactly

Teeth are still being moved so some chance of pain

A Quick History of Orthodontics

While you may think braces are a modern invention, the fact is people have been using devices to move their teeth since the early days.

Archaeologists have discovered mummified remains where there were metal bands wrapped around individual teeth.

As far back as 500 BC, Hippocrates and Aristotle were both talking about ways to straighten teeth and fix various dental conditions.

However, despite all the evidence from early times, it was around the 1700s before the most significant developments began to happen in orthodontics.

In 1728, French Dentist Pierre Fauchard published a book called the “The Surgeon Dentist” with an entire chapter on ways to straighten teeth. He used a horseshoe-shaped metal device to help expand the arch.

While teeth straightening has been practiced since early times, orthodontics did not really begin as a science in its own right until the mid-1800s.

Norman W. Kingsley wrote the first article on orthodontics in 1858 and J. N. Farrar was the first dentist to suggest the use of mild force at timed intervals to move teeth.

In the early 1900s, Edward H. Angle devised the first simple classification system for malocclusions, which is still used today as a way for dentists to describe how teeth fit together.

In the early 20th century, gold, platinum and silver were routinely used in braces and the bands wrapped entirely around the each tooth. They continued to wrap around the teeth until the mid 1970s, when direct bonding became possible.

In the 1070s, systems were developed to place braces on the inside surfaces of the teeth – lingual or invisible braces.

In the future, it seems likely that braces will be smaller, less visible, more comfortable and will be needed for much shorter periods of time.

Common Questions About Braces

Here are the answers to some common questions about what it like to have braces

What is it like having braces?,
When you have braces, you will probably find your mouth sore for a few days. It can also be uncomfortable when the braces are tightened. However, most of the time you probably won’t even notice them.

Do braces hurt?
It can depend on which type you choose but usually modern braces will not hurt except for the first few days or when they are tightened.

While the manufacturers are always looking for ways to make them more comfortable, a little discomfort at the beginning is still common. You will be able to take some painkillers if necessary. The pain may be greater if you start orthodontic treatment when you are an adult.

Will it be embarrassing to wear braces?
Over 70% of teenagers wear braces and therefore most people have some experience of them so there is no need to feel embarrassed. If you start treatment when you are an adult, the proportion of people wearing braces is lower but you will still find most people supportive.

Will braces cause sores in my mouth?
Sometimes you might experience sores on your lips in the first few days. These can easily be rinsed in water or special solution and will usually heal within a week or so. You can also put wax on the braces to prevent the braces from rubbing and irritating the sore.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?
It varies a lot depending on exactly what changes need to happen in your mouth. When started young it may last a few months. From the age of 12, it can take a year or two and perhaps more for adults. However it depends very much on your personal situation and your orthodontists will be able to advise you.

What Adult Orthodontic Treatment Feels Like

The early stages of orthodontic treatment can be a little harder for adult patients than for teenagers.

Teenagers have the benefit of getting treatment while they are still growing and their mouth is more flexible.

In some cases, adults will need to have teeth removed or will require surgery to expand their jaw to make room for moving the teeth. This may not be fun but anaesthetics and painkillers make this a short-term concern compared to the long-term benefits.

When the orthodontist actually puts in your braces, your mouth may be tender for a few days though this should clear up quickly.

Beyond that, the only time you are likely to notice your braces is when you have them tightened.

Some adults say that they feel like their teeth have come loose at the beginning.

The reason is that when you are older your teeth are more firmly anchored into your jaw.

The orthodontist needs to loosen the little filaments that anchor your teeth before the teeth will move.

This can mean your teeth feel loose. However, the feeling is no reason for concern. They will tighten again after the orthodontic treatment.

Beyond that, the basics of orthodontic treatment are the same at any age. Your mouth will feel tender for a few days after you first get the braces and you will experience some discomfort when your braces are tightened.

Common Questions About Orthodontics

How does orthodontics work?
The job of an orthodontist is to help fix crooked teeth and jaw problems so that your teeth are in the right place in your mouth.

This may require the orthodontist to take action that helps stretch your jaw or move your teeth so that everything fits properly.

One action they can take is using tools such as braces to push on your teeth so they move into the right place.

If your top jaw is too small, they may install an expander to make it grow wider. Your jaw can be stretched or widened or moved to change its shape.

There are various other steps they can take to move your teeth or expand your jaw so that your teeth all fit comfortably and correctly in your mouth.

At what age should I start orthodontic treatment?
You can get orthodontic treatment at any age from toddlers to old age. The best and least painful time for orthodontic treatment is usually when you are between about 8 to 14.

Between 8 and 9 is usually when the jaw is growing fastest and so is the best time to reshape your mouth.

Permanent teeth usually come in between age 12 or 14 and that is the best time to start full orthodontic treatment.

What happens if I wait until I am older for orthodontic treatment?
You can get braces at any age but as you get older the treatment takes longer and may hurt a bit more. Nevertheless the benefits are still significant.

Your Questions Answered About Braces

Here are the answers to five common questions about the implications of having braces.

Does having braces affect the way I talk?
Standard braces don't normally affect how you talk or the sound of your voice. Sometimes, you may find it difficult for the first couple of days but then you will be able to talk fine.

Are there any activities that I should avoid when I have braces?
You can continue to do most things such as enjoying sports and playing musical instruments. For some sports, you should wear an orthodontic mouth guard. It is also best to avoid activities where you could suffer a lot of blows to your mouth such as boxing or karate.

Does having braces affect what I eat?
You can continue to eat most foods when you wear braces. In the first few days, you would probably be advised to stick to softer foods.

After that, you may need to be careful with hard or sticky foods like caramel and some nuts. You want to make sure the food does not stick on your braces or pull them off your teeth.

In addition, chewing gum is usually not recommended. Some sugar free gums have been reported as causing less problems but talk to your orthodontist if you want to be able to chew gum.

Can the braces come off?
This can happen and it is usually not a major problem. Your orthodontist will attach them again. If it happens a lot, some larger adjustments may be needed.

What happens if a piece comes off and I swallow it?
This is quite rare but it is usually not a major problem. Any parts that you swallow should just pass through your digestive system.

Why Modern Teenagers Need Braces

Many teenagers wonder why they need to wear braces.

Is it all about cosmetics or is there something more important?

Back in the days of the cave men, teenagers were only two or three feet tall.

But over the last 10,000 years, people have got bigger. While our mouths have got a little bigger, our teeth got a lot bigger.

As a result, teeth no longer fit correctly into most people's mouths.

While improving your smile is a great reason for getting braces, there are more important problems that can arise if you don't deal with crooked teeth.

Digestion Problems: If your teeth are not straight, you will not be able to chew your food correctly and this can lead to stomach problems

Dental Problems: If you don't deal with crooked teeth early on, your teeth will be hard to clean, and you will face gum problems and greater wear on your teeth.

Breathing problem: As you get older the roof of your mouth can sometimes partially block the air passages in your nose making you snore loudly. The risk of this can be reduced by having braces.

Truth is about 70% of teenagers need braces and therefore having braces will not make you feel different to most of your friends.

What Adult Orthodontic Treatment Feels Like

The early stages of orthodontic treatment can be a little harder for adult patients than for teenagers.

Teenagers have the benefit of getting treatment while they are still growing and their mouth is more flexible.

In some cases, adults will need to have teeth removed or will require surgery to expand their jaw to make room for moving the teeth. This may not be fun but anaesthetics and painkillers make this a short-term concern compared to the long-term benefits.

When the orthodontist actually puts in your braces, your mouth may be tender for a few days though this should clear up quickly.

Beyond that, the only time you are likely to notice your braces is when you have them tightened.

Some adults say that they feel like their teeth have come loose at the beginning.

The reason is that when you are older your teeth are more firmly anchored into your jaw.

The orthodontist needs to loosen the little filaments that anchor your teeth before the teeth will move.

This can mean your teeth feel loose. However, the feeling is no reason for concern. They will tighten again after the orthodontic treatment.

Beyond that, the basics of orthodontic treatment are the same at any age. Your mouth will feel tender for a few days after you first get the braces and you will experience some discomfort when your braces are tightened.

Common Questions About Orthodontics

How does orthodontics work?
The job of an orthodontist is to help fix crooked teeth and jaw problems so that your teeth are in the right place in your mouth.

This may require the orthodontist to take action that helps stretch your jaw or move your teeth so that everything fits properly.

One action they can take is using tools such as braces to push on your teeth so they move into the right place.

If your top jaw is too small, they may install an expander to make it grow wider. Your jaw can be stretched or widened or moved to change its shape.

There are various other steps they can take to move your teeth or expand your jaw so that your teeth all fit comfortably and correctly in your mouth.

At what age should I start orthodontic treatment?
You can get orthodontic treatment at any age from toddlers to old age. The best and least painful time for orthodontic treatment is usually when you are between about 8 to 14.

Between 8 and 9 is usually when the jaw is growing fastest and so is the best time to reshape your mouth.

Permanent teeth usually come in between age 12 or 14 and that is the best time to start full orthodontic treatment.

What happens if I wait until I am older for orthodontic treatment?
You can get braces at any age but as you get older the treatment takes longer and may hurt a bit more. Nevertheless the benefits are still significant.

Your Questions Answered About Braces

Here are the answers to five common questions about the implications of having braces.

Does having braces affect the way I talk?
Standard braces don't normally affect how you talk or the sound of your voice. Sometimes, you may find it difficult for the first couple of days but then you will be able to talk fine.

Are there any activities that I should avoid when I have braces?
You can continue to do most things such as enjoying sports and playing musical instruments. For some sports, you should wear an orthodontic mouth guard. It is also best to avoid activities where you could suffer a lot of blows to your mouth such as boxing or karate.

Does having braces affect what I eat?
You can continue to eat most foods when you wear braces. In the first few days, you would probably be advised to stick to softer foods.

After that, you may need to be careful with hard or sticky foods like caramel and some nuts. You want to make sure the food does not stick on your braces or pull them off your teeth.

In addition, chewing gum is usually not recommended. Some sugar free gums have been reported as causing less problems but talk to your orthodontist if you want to be able to chew gum.

Can the braces come off?
This can happen and it is usually not a major problem. Your orthodontist will attach them again. If it happens a lot, some larger adjustments may be needed.

What happens if a piece comes off and I swallow it?
This is quite rare but it is usually not a major problem. Any parts that you swallow should just pass through your digestive system.

Why Adult Orthodontist Treatment is Different

One reason orthodontic treatment for adults is different is that, when you are older, it is harder to enlarge your mouth to get all of your teeth to fit.

When you are growing, your jaw is more flexible and the orthodontist can stretch your mouth so everything fits.

However, after you finish growing, your jaw hardens and it becomes difficult for an orthodontist to stretch it.

While you can have your jaw enlarged surgically, most adults opt to have their teeth straightened without this step.

This may mean you need to have some teeth removed to make everything fit. This may not have been necessary if the treatment had been done when you were still growing.

However, there are many benefits in having orthodontic treatment at any age.

In adult life, it can help your digestion and your general health as well as preventing dental problems.

The main difference is that orthodontic treatment when you are older can be a bit slower and even slightly more painful than for younger patients.

Why Orthodontic Treatment Does Not Work for All Adults

While a surprising number of adults benefit from orthodontic treatment, not all adults can take advantage.

It can depend on how well you have looked after your teeth and gums.

For example, gums may have receded so much that orthodontic treatment is not an option or roots may be very shallow if they have not been cared for properly.

Although the state of your mouth may mean that orthodontic treatment is not possible, the benefits of it can apply at any age and it is always worth checking the situation out with an orthodontist.

All orthodontists are trained how to treat adult patients but some specialize in this area.

An experienced orthodontist will know that adult treatment can take longer and may need to be more gentle than treatment earlier in life when someone is still growing.

Orthodontic services can be provided by any licensed dentist trained in orthodontics though most treatment is done by orthodontists.

A dentist must complete 2-3 years of additional training to earn a special qualification in orthodontics.